MASERU — The government has given M3 million for Lesotho’s participation in the Supreme Council of Sports in Africa (SCSA) Zone VI games scheduled for Swaziland in December.
Lesotho will be represented at the games in athletics, basketball, boxing, lawn tennis, netball, football, swimming and athletics for disabled.
The other countries taking part in the regional gala are Swaziland, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.
The Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission (LSRC) had asked the government for M4 million to fund preparations and participation in the games.
The government could however only grant M3 million, M1 million less than the budgeted amount.
LRSC chief executive officer Kholoang Mokalanyane praised the government for the money.
“That M1 million the government did not approve will make a difference but I do not think the teams should complain because our government tried its best by raising this money,” he said.
Mokalanyane said the government could not raise more than M3 million because of the recession.
“It’s a blessing especially during the current recession that is affecting almost everyone,” he said.
“In 2008, we only got M2.9 million but during this bad year they’ve managed to give us more money.”
Mokalanyane said the money would be used for training camps, equipment, attire as well as boarding and lodging.
“The money is purely for the SCSA games activities,” he said.
He said preparations for the games would begin soon after schools close for the winter break.
Most schools are closing tomorrow while a few others are scheduled to take the break next Friday.
“We’ve already started some preparations but the major ones are going to start soon after schools close for the winter break,” Mokalanyane said.
“There will be a training camp because all participating associations will take advantage of the school break between June and July.”
